What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of tiny organisms that have a massive impact on life  like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When you major in microbiology, you’ll explore how microbes affect human health, agriculture, biotechnology, and the environment. Spend time in labs, ask real research questions, and work alongside faculty actively advancing scientific discovery. Through hands-on experiments and collaborative learning, you’ll build skills in molecular biology, genetics, and data analysis  preparing for a career as a microbiologist, researcher, healthcare professional, and more.

Program Highlights
Undergraduate Research Build real research experience early. You can join faculty-mentored projects in immunology, virology, microbial genetics, and environmental microbiology as soon as your first year.
Science Residential College Live and learn with your peers in a smaller network within the larger campus, offering academic enhancement programs, classes in your residence hall, and corporate sponsored events introducing you to internships and cooperative education programs.
Premier Resources Experience the LSU Herbarium, a premier biological collection in the South. Explore microbial interactions with plants, ecosystems, and environmental change through hands-on research opportunities.
Louisiana Field Advantage Study microbes where they matter most. LSU’s location offers unique research experiences in wetlands, coastal systems, and agricultural environments found throughout the Gulf South.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Clinical Laboratory Scientist 
Immunologist
Laboratory Research Analyst 
Microbiologist
Quality Control Analyst 

Workplace Settings

Clinical & Diagnostic Laboratories
Hospitals & Healthcare Systems
Biotech & Pharmaceutical Companies
Research Universities & Academic Laboratories
Government & Public Health Agencies
Environmental Testing & Consulting FirmsFood Safety & Agricultural Laboratories
Medical & Diagnostic Testing Companies

Building Skills
Laboratory & Research Techniques Master cell culture, microscopy, DNA sequencing, and microbial analysis in modern labs.
Field & Environmental Analysis  Study microbes in Louisiana’s wetlands, coastal systems, and agricultural environments.
Experimental Design  Design experiments, test hypotheses, and evaluate scientific outcomes with confidence.
Data-Driven Problem Solving Analyze microbiological data to solve challenges in health and environmental systems.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
Apply Today!